Research Mentor Name
Dr. Anil Aranha
Research Mentor Email Address
ac0229@wayne.edu
Institution / Department
Undergraduate Medical Education
Document Type
Research Abstract
Research Type
healthcommunityimpact
Graduate Level Research
no
Abstract
Background
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of conditions, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, central obesity, and hypertension,that raises the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Its prevalence is rising, especially among Haitian immigrants (HI), who face added risks from dietary acculturation and low health literacy. The KwenSante Radio Program (KSRP), launched in Haitian Creole in 2012, provides culturally tailored health education. This study evaluates whether KSRP improves MetS knowledge among HI in Greater Boston.
Methods
A parallel, convergent mixed-methods design was used. Data were collected and analyzed independently before integration. An online survey and interview, developed with Tufts University and translated into Haitian Creole, were administered after consent. Participants attended a MetS lecture, then completed interviews assessing their understanding, satisfaction, and readiness for lifestyle change before and after the presentation.
Results/ Discussion
17 participants, mostly female and aged 19–30 or over 60, reported medical conditions other than diabetes and varying engagement in preventive care. Satisfaction with KSRP was high: 82% were satisfied or very satisfied, and 71% were “very likely” to recommend it. Interviews showed a strong understanding of MetS and its risks, increased awareness of healthy behaviors, and appreciation for Creole-language delivery, although some requested clearer technical definitions.
Conclusion
Despite some challenges with medical terminology, the high levels of engagement and educational impact observed indicate that culturally tailored, community-based programs like KSRP are effective for improving health literacy and encouraging preventive behaviors, which may help reduce cardiometabolic risk among Haitian immigrant groups.
Disciplines
Diseases | Medicine and Health Sciences
Recommended Citation
Davie, William M.; Poshi, Nikuze; Dugue, Carline; Simeon, Jean-Alix; Aranha, Anil; and Jean-Baptiste, Marie-Louise, "Evaluating KwenSante's Dual-Channel Health Education: A Pilot Assessment of Online and Radio Interventions for Metabolic Syndrome Literacy" (2026). Medical Student Research Symposium. 474.
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/som_srs/474